Stringent Tobacco Control Measures

As per the report of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 50% of cancers in men and 25% of cancers in women in India are related to tobacco use.

As per World Health Organization (WHO), the use of tobacco is a major risk factor for 4 major Non Communicable Diseases namely Cardio Vascular Disease, Cancers, Diabetes and Chronic Respiratory Disease. WHO studies also show that smoking substantially increases the risk of tuberculosis (TB) and deaths from TB, as per the Global Adult Tobacco Survey – India Report (2010) 40% of the TB burden in India may be attributed to smoking.

The Government has taken a series of tobacco control measures, including the following:

i.Enactment of the “Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, (COTPA) 2003”.

ii.Ratification of WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

iii.Launch of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) in the year 2007-08, with the objectives to (i) create awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption, (ii) reduce the production and supply of tobacco products, (iii) ensure effective implementation of the anti tobacco laws and (iv) help the people quit tobacco use through Tobacco Cessation Centres.

iv.Issuance of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011 dated 1st August 2011, under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which lays down that tobacco and nicotine shall not be used as ingredients in any food products.

v.Notification of rules to regulate depiction of tobacco products or their use in films and TV programmes.

vi.Notification of rules on new pictorial health warnings on tobacco product packages, to come into effect from 1.4.2015.

A Committee was constituted to review and suggest amendments to the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 (COTPA). The Committee has made a number of recommendations with regard to, inter alia, prohibition of smoking in public places, advertisements at point of sale, minimum legal age for sale of tobacco products, loose sale of tobacco products, depiction of tar and nicotine contents and the penal provisions etc. The draft amendment bill along with the Notes on clauses has been placed in public domain, as part of pre-legislative consultations, with a view to eliciting comments/views of the stakeholders including the general public.

The Health Minister, Shri J P Nadda stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.

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Action Plan Against Diarrhoea and Pneumonia

As per the report of Child Health Epidemiological Reference Group 2012, it is estimated that 38 per cent of all under-five child deaths are caused by diarrhoea and pneumonia which accounts for around 2 lakh under-five deaths due to diarrhoea and over 3.8 lakh due to Pneumonia annually. As per the Pneumonia and Diarrhoea Progress Report, 2014 of the International Vaccine Access Centre (IVAC), India tops the list of 15 countries in terms of total burden of under-five deaths due to pneumonia and diarrhoea.

Under National Health Mission, the Government of India has launched Integrated Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Pneumonia and Diarrhoea (IAPPD) in 2014 to address the gaps and undertake collaborative efforts towards prevention of diarrhoea and Pneumonia related under-five deaths. IAPPD strengthens the existing approaches towards prevention of diarrhoea and pneumonia to achieve higher coverage of these interventions such as appropriate infant and young child feeding, provision of safe drinking water and improved sanitation, Vitamin A supplementation, measles vaccination, Hib vaccination, hand washing and personal hygiene, provision of ORS, zinc, appropriate antibiotics, availability of oxygen in health facilities, improved case management at community and health facilities, reduction of household pollution, etc.

Currently, IAPPD has been prioritised in four States namely- Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh where state and regional level workshops are being held for in-depth planning and review as per the IAPPD framework.

The Health Minister, Shri J P Nadda stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.

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Impetus to Automobile Sector

The Government has drawn a ten year Automotive Mission Plan (AMP) 2006-16 for the Indian Automotive Industry to maintain high rate of growth and to retain the attractiveness of Indian market and for further enhancing the competitiveness of Indian companies. The Mission plan is a corner stone of the govt. policy for the sector. Apart from this, the Government has also taken several other initiatives to strengthen this sector; such as setting up of Automotive Skill Development Council (ASDC), support to R&D projects through automotive cess funding, starting of National Automotive R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRIP) for setting up of world class infrastructure for homologation and testing, setting up of the National Automotive Board (NAB) as a repository of auto R&D expertise and an apex coordinating body to address the need of collaborative R&D and synergizing the activities of NATRiP. The Government has also taken initiative for introducing Electric/Hybrid transportation in the country under National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020 to provide clean mobility solutions to the people while reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuel. NEMMP 2020 visualizes introduction of 6-7 million hybrid/electric vehicles by the end of 2020.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Shri G.M. Siddeshwara in reply to awritten question in the Lok Sabha today.

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CCTNS Project

The Government has approved a project outlay of Rs. 2000 crore for implementation of Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) and connecting all police stations. It covers digitizing the way critical information such as criminal records to be stored and shared among law enforcement officials.

Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) is a project initiated in June 2009 which aims at creating a comprehensive and integrated system for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of policing at the Police Station level through adoption of principles of e-Governance, and creation of a nationwide networked infrastructure for evolution of IT-enabled state-of-the-art tracking system around “investigation of crime and detection of criminals”.

The project timelines is till March 2015 with provision of one year extension. The project is lagging behind the schedule which can be attributed to the following:

· States/UTs took time in preparation and finalisation of Request for Proposal (RFPs) for selection of State System Integrator (SI).
· SI selection in some of the States/UTs got delayed.
· In some of the States/UTs there was delay in handing over the sites to SI.
· In some of the States/UTs there were issues in execution of project by SI.
· Delay in establishment of National Data Centre due to technical issues in Core Application Software.
· Originally developed Core Application Software had to undergo lot of changes due to performance issues and additional functional requirements from field units.
· Delay in commissioning of WiMax and VSAT sites.

This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary in a written reply to a question by Shri J.C. Divakar Reddy and Shri Ram Charitra Nishad in the Lok Sabha today.

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Leave For CAPF Personnel

The details of leave being enjoyed by the officers/personnel of Central Armed Police Force at present are given below:-

1

NB: NSG is a 100% deputationist Force and the entire manpower is drawn from Army, CAPFs, State Police and other organizations. Officer/personnel posted in NSG are entitled to leave as admissible in their parent organizations.

A proposal for grant of Casual Leave for 20 days for officers and 30 days for other ranks of CAPFs posted in Battalion/Field, at par with Army in a calendar year to Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Assam Rifles was received. The proposal has been referred to 7th Central Pay Commission vide MHA O.M. dated 17.10.2014.

This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju in a written reply to a question by Shri Kaushal Kishore in the Lok Sabha today.

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Functioning of NIA

To curb various aspects of terrorist financing, a Terror Funding and Fake Currency Cell (TFFC) has been created in the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The Cell maintains data base of terror financing and cases of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN). It also conducts part investigation into terror financing aspects of regular cases investigated by the NIA. For terror financing aspects of Naxalite groups operating in various parts of India, the TFFC Cell has conducted a number of verifications of bank accounts suspected to be linked with naxalite groups. However, the inquiries/investigation conducted by the Cell till now did not reveal linkages of suspected accounts with the known naxalite groups.

The cases are assigned to the NIA by the Central Government for investigation and prosecution in accordance with section 6 of the NIA Act, 2008. The investigation of the cases is done by the Agency independently. After investigation, the cases are placed before the NIA Special Court. For prosecuting the accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) and certain other schedule offences, the Agency seeks sanction of the Central Government. The sanction is granted under the UAPA based on the report of the ‘Authority’ constituted under section 45 (2) of the UAPA.

This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary in a written reply to a question by Shri Nandi Yellaiah in the Lok Sabha today.

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AIR Support for Disaster Management

As per vulnerability profile of the country, ten battalions of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed across the country. NDRF has been equipped with specialized equipment and is well trained to deal with natural or manmade disasters. After getting the requisition from the States, NDRF reaches the spot in the quickest possible time. If required, the Ministry of Home Affairs arranges air support to NDRF through the Ministry of Defence. At present no dedicated air support to NDRF is available. However, 02 MI-17 V5 helicopters under procurement are proposed to be located at Delhi for disaster relief, VIP duties, NSG operation and other commitments.

NDRF and JPNATC (Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Centre), AIIMS have signed a MoU on 14.01.2015 for capacity building initiatives in disaster management with particular focus on providing medical care for disaster response either inside or outside the country. As a part of the MoU, medical experts from AIIMS including specialized nurses, para medics shall be part of medical component of NDRF response team to improve the efficiency of medical personnel of NDRF, training will be organized with JPNATC to get on job training and hands on experience in handling emergency cases.

The Government is exploring the possibility to synergise the functioning of fire services, civil defence and home guards with NDRF for comprehensive response to disaster.

This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju in a written reply to a question by Shri C. Mahendran, Shri P. Nagarajan and Shri A. Anwhar Raajhaa in the Lok Sabha today.

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Compensation for Victims of Acid Attacks

The Ministry of Home Affairs has moved a proposal for creation of Central Victim Compensation Fund including compensation for the Victim of acid attacks.

Several interactions were held with States/UTs to discuss various directives of the Hon’ble Supreme Court on W.P.(Crl) No. 129/2006; Laxmi vs UoI and other related matters. Accordingly an Advisory was issued to all the States/UTs titled ‘Measures to be taken to prevent acid attacks on people and for treatment and rehabilitation of survivors’ dated 30th August, 2013 with the objective to prepare Rules as per the provisions of the Poisons Act 1919 in accordance with the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s guidelines to check easy availability of acids and also rehabilitation of the victims. An affidavit has also been filed in the Supreme Court by most of the States/UTs. Many Advisories had been issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs to the State/UT Governments to safeguard the interest of the Citizens and to protect them from various crimes and to efficiently handle the case in a time bound manner. All these Advisories are available in the website of the Ministry of Home Affairs. i.e. www.mha.nic.in.

This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary in a written reply to a question by Shri G. Hari in the Lok Sabha today.

As of now, there is no shortage of battalions in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).

This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju in a written reply to a question by Shri Chand Nath in the Lok Sabha today.

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Central Forensic Science Laboratories

There are seven Central Forensic Science Laboratories functioning in the country. Six Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs) are under Directorate of Forensic Science Services. Three CFSLs are at Chandigarh, Kolkata and Hyderabad and three upcoming Hi-Tech CFSLs are located at Pune, Bhopal and Guwahati. Apart from this one Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CBI) is located in New Delhi. Government has proposed for upgradation and creation of new Divisions in the existing as well as new CFSLs under XII Five Year Plan. Upgradation of equipments and adequate technical manpower has also been proposed in the XII Plan Scheme of Directorate of Forensic Science Services.

There is no proposal to set up American Model DNA profiling centers in the country.

This was stated by Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary in Lok Sabha today in a written reply to a question by Shri Harishchandra Chavan.

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Activities of Monasteries

Bhutan is a Buddhist country and by virtue of this there are several Buddhist monasteries and study centres traditionally operating in Bhutan. There is nothing to suggest that any of these institutions or monasteries is involved in any anti India activities. India and Bhutan enjoy a close partnership, and coordinate regularly in security matters.

Our Mission in Nepal is aware of the presence of foreign study centres and monasteries in Nepal, though no instances of their involvement in anti-India activities has come to notice. While there is no indication of a substantial increase in anti-India activities, Government of India continues to monitor developments in border areas. The Government of Nepal has assured that it will take all necessary steps to curb fundamentalist and anti-India activities and that it will not allow its territory to be used against India.

This was stated by Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju in Lok Sabha today in a written reply to a question by Shri Hari Manjhi and Smt. Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah.

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Attempt to Suicide

The Law Commission of India, in its 210th Report: “Humanization and Decriminalization of Attempt to Suicide” had recommended that Section 309 (attempt to commit suicide) of IPC needs to be effaced from the statute book because that provision is inhuman irrespective of whether it is constitutional or unconstitutional. Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to accept the recommendation of the Law Commission of India. A draft note, containing, inter alia, the proposal to delete Section 309 from the IPC, has been sent to the Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice for drawing up a draft Amendment Bill.

This was stated by Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary in Lok Sabha today in a written reply to a question by Dr. P. Venugopal.

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External Assistance to Naxalites

There is no evidence / input available to suggest that any international conspiracy is being hatched in any Left Wing Extremist (LWE) infested areas in the country or any external assistance being provided to Left Wing Extremists in terms of financial aid and weapons. However, the recovery of arms and ammunitions of foreign origin from the LWE cadres in different encounters and operations is an indication of the fact that they are procuring weapons from different sources. The possibility of some front organizations of the CPI (Maoist) clandestinely getting foreign funds cannot be ruled out.

The Government closely monitors the situation and takes appropriate action as and when required.

This was stated by Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary in Lok Sabha today in a written reply to a question by Smt Jayshreeben Patel.

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Honour Crime

Acting on the 242nd Report of the Law Commission on “Prevention of Interference with the Freedom of Matrimonial Alliances (in the name of Honour and Tradition)”, the Ministry of Law and Justice has taken up State-level consultations to prepare the final contour of the bill.

This was stated by Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary in Lok Sabha today in a written reply to a question by Smt Kirron Kher.